The special education teachers at PCHS can't exclaim enough how much they appreciate PCEF and the grants provided to support their students. Throughout the day, students with disabilities utilize the special education classrooms for academic instruction but also time for breaks to regulate their learning state before returning to the general education classroom. During this time, the teachers felt they could provide more tools and strategies for students to regain their focus and motivation for challenging academic settings and tasks. The team decided that for teenagers, this involves some of the basic necessities: snacks, fidget tools, and individualized reinforcement items.
In her own words, Mindy Miller explains, "I have noticed students can "power through" hard situations or less preferred classes when we are able to provide snacks or fidgets. When a student's primary needs of safety and food are met, they can shift their focus to their educational expectations and social requirements. Safety might seem like a far stretch when it comes to a stress ball, but that can provide them an outlet for their energy and the knowledge that their teachers understand them for who they are. Once they feel seen, they can better recognize that they are valued and needed in their classrooms."
PCEF supports special education programs across the district, including coffee carts, activities at the National Ability Center, community outings, social skills curriculum, and sensory resources.
We are so grateful to PCEF for supporting all of the special education programs and promoting success for all students!
